[Tony_Browning]

Hi All!
My portable has a problem with the heater
(3kw with thermostat)
I turn it on and it heats for about 3 seconds then stops for about 15 sec, then on again for 3 sec...so on.
The thermostat dial clicks as it should at correct temperatures....and the lights on.
What d'ya rekon?  
Rgds
Tony

[Mark Betts]

Tony

What portable is it?

Loose wire?

Thermostat on way out?

I had similar prob with my machine.

In the end the element was knacked!!!!  So it was replaced.


Cheers


Mark

[Phil Marlor]

Tony,

I once had that, my problem was the element kept getting badly scaled up due to the water we have around here.

De-scale it if thats the case and use Prochem F&F Rinse every so often to keep the scayling (spell) down.

Might work

Phil

[ALEXDH]

What type of machine is it dear chap

Could be a failing or poorly grounded thermocouple

The connector spades must be free and clean of build up and corrosion in order for the couple to function properly, periodic cleaning is recommended.

Thermocouples should be inspected for dents, kinks, and splits in the stainless steel sheath.

or perhaps the element is pulling too much current.

I would try a new thermocouple wired in to check as i gues this would be the cheapest repair ,unless you can see significant scaling on the element.

[ALEXDH]

Tell you what its not worth fitting a new thermocouple just replace the whole stat, I have only looked quick but this is my ninja one i think.

Farnell are a little pricey but they have most stuff.

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/catalog/viewproductdetails.jsp;jsessionid=Z5MRZ3VGDPLBTQFIAEXCFE4AVAAS2IV3?prodId=560248